Health Encyclopedia

Search Adult and Children's Health Encyclopedia

How Much Do You Know About Planning for Long-Term Care?

People who need long-term care include those with a chronic illness or a physical handicap. Learn more about long-term care planning by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

1. Which expert is trained to help you and your family develop a plan for long-term care?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

This is a special kind of social worker or nurse. A geriatric case manager, geriatric care manager, or service coordinator can help you plan your care, as well as help you find the services you need. This specialist is particularly helpful when you and members of your family live far apart, the NIA says. If no case manager is available, your doctor and your doctor's staff also can help you find the services you need.

A. Geriatric case managerB. ClergyC. PhysicianD. Psychologist

2. When you do research into what types of care are available in your area, who is a good source of information?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

A neighbor may know about a particular service or care available. Your doctor and the Area Agency on Aging have information on adult day-care centers, meal programs, companion programs, transportation services, and other available programs.

A. Your regular doctorB. Area Agency on AgingC. Your neighborD. All of the above

3. Which agency can tell you what financial help is available to pay for long-term care?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

The state insurance commission can explain the complicated issue of private long-term care insurance and offer tips on how to buy it. Medicare and private Medigap insurance do not cover long-term care; they only pay for short-term home health and nursing home care.

4. When you need a lot of help with everyday activities, which type of facility should you look for?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Assisted living centers are found in large apartment
buildings and homes. They usually include meals, recreation, security and
help with bathing, dressing, taking medication, and housekeeping, the NIA
says. Skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes) provide medical care round
the clock and rehabilitation for more frail residents. Sometimes these two
facilities are found at the same site, in a continuing care community. You
may not need such a facility, however. Many older adults are cared for in
the community by their children.

5. A good way to find an assisted living center or nursing home that's right for you is to talk to friends, relatives, doctors, and social workers for advice on which facilities are well run. After you've found the name of one that sounds like a good match, what's the next step?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Set up an appointment, but also go unannounced and at different times of the day, the NIA suggests. Watch to see if the staff treats residents with respect and tries to meet the needs of each person. Check if the building is clean and safe. Find out what kinds of social activities and exercise programs are offered. Note whether residents have personal privacy. Visit around mealtime and see how the residents interact and whether you like the food.

A. Find out when you can move inB. Send a friend to visit the facilityC. Visit the facility yourself and talk with residents and staffD. None of the above

6. Which agency inspects nursing homes to see how well they do their job?

You didn't answer this question.

You answered

The correct answer is

Each state's health department conducts an annual inspection of nursing homes. You can read the results of these annual inspections at the nursing homes you visit. If you have questions, the nursing home staff should be able to answer them. Many nursing homes also voluntarily participate in accreditation programs. One is the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' Long Term Care Program, according to the American Health Care Association.